International Teacher Education Conference 2014 1

International Teacher Education Conference 2014
be associated with the view of teachers as leaders and as implementers of rules. Other choices of the
respondents included traits such as “honorable” (ranked 3), “humble” (ranked 4), and “proactive” (ranked 5).
The perceived behavior of a teacher in the 21 st century could then still be the same as the conventional image of
a teacher as the cited traits were desired even by the teachers of the past.
Teacher’s Manner of Thinking. As regards manner of thinking, the 21 st century teacher is perceived as
“open-minded” (ranked 1).This was endorsed mostly by the elementary pupils, pre-service teachers at all levels,
and teacher educators. The other traits on how the teacher thinks based on the weighted mean and ranks include
being a “global thinker” (ranked 2.5) and “realistic” (ranked 2.5), “intelligent” (ranked 4), and “practical”
(ranked 5). Apparently, the 21 st century teacher needs to be open-minded to see the realities of the global
society, which would require practical discernment as the society is fast-changing brought about by
technological and environmental changes.
Teacher’s Manner of Talking. As regards manner of talking, the 21 st century teacher is viewed as
“confident” (ranked 1). This was endorsed mostly by the pre-service teachers in the kindergarten and secondary
level, basic education teachers, and teacher educators. To other stakeholders, talking “with sense of humor”
(ranked 2) matters as well including having “clear diction” (ranked 3), “polite” (ranked 4), and “honest” (ranked
5). Clearly, what matters at present is that teachers are able to convey their ideas with confidence and clarity for
them to look credible and smart. These traits are consistent with the one of the desired qualities of 21 st century
learners, a good communicator (Partnership for 21 st Century Skills, 2013). Teachers are likely to be listened to if
they show a sense of humor. Display of politeness and honesty at all times makes them appear boring.
Teacher’s Work Ethics. When it comes to work ethics, the 21 st century teachers are perceived
“responsible” (ranked 1). This was endorsed mostly by the elementary pupils, pre-service teachers in the
kindergarten and secondary level, basic education teachers and teacher educators. Other stakeholders value more
a teacher who is “creative” (ranked 2), “organized” (ranked 3), “resourceful” (ranked 4), and “with initiative”
(ranked 5). It can be inferred from the data that being “responsible” was prioritized among the five traits since a
responsible teacher could also manifest traits of being “organized” and also working “with initiative.” Being
“creative”, which is a characteristic that is truly reflective of the 21 st century teacher, was chosen more than
being a “resourceful” as the former also manifests the latter trait.
Teacher’s Social Relation. As regards social relations, the 21 st century teacher is viewed as “fair” (ranked 1).
This was endorsed by almost all sectors of stakeholders. Other respondents prefer a teacher who is “kind”
(ranked 2), “caring” (ranked 3), “understanding” (ranked 4) and “friendly” (ranked 5). The results show that
stakeholders across sectors preferred a teacher who is fair, kind, caring, or friendly when dealing with other
people regardless of who they are. These traits are truly admirable of a teacher this 21 st century and maybe
across time.
Teacher’s Relation with Students. As regards relation with students, the 21 st century teacher is perceived as
“encouraging” (ranked 1). This was endorsed by almost all secondary school students, pre-service teachers at all
levels, basic education teachers and teacher educators. Other respondents preferred a teacher who is
“collaborative” (ranked 2), “respectful” (ranked 3), “authoritative” (ranked 4), and “lenient” (ranked 5).
Looking at the results, one could infer that education stakeholders prefer the present teachers to be encouraging
and collaborative. Being collaborative, in addition to being a good communicator, is a trait highlighted in the
framework of the 21 st century learner (Partnership for 21 st Century Skills, 2013).
Other Personal Traits of a Teacher. When asked to name other personal traits the like 21 st century teacher
to possess, the majority of the stakeholder respondents identified. “God-fearing” (ranked 1.5) and “patient”
(ranked 1.5). These traits are also desired of students in basic education level (DepEd, 2013). This means that
both students and teachers value the virtue of patience and fear to God as these traits are expected in a country
whose population is mostly affiliated with religious groups, like the Philippines. Consequently, the 21 st century
teacher is still expected to be “morally upright” (ranked 3), which is also defined in the Code of Ethics for
Professional Teachers (RA 435, 1997). Other stakeholders also want the teachers to be “generous” (ranked 4)
and “nationalistic” (ranked 5).
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